Effect of maqui-berry extract in dry eye disease – A clinical and molecular analysis

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of maqui?berry extract (MBE) in improving signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) along with ocular surface inflammation in patients with DED. Methods: Twenty patients were randomly assigned to a MBE or a placebo group (PLC). DED parameters including Schirmer’s test 1 (ST1), tear film break?up time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal staining were assessed before treatment and 2 months post?treatment. Tear fluid samples before and after treatment from a subset of these patients were collected from the study subjects using sterile Schirmer’s strips, and the levels of interleukin (IL)?1?, IL?10, IL?6, IL?17A, tumor necrosis factor?? (TNF?), matrix metalloproteinase?9 (MMP9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule?1 (sICAM1), and vascular endothelial growth factor?A (VEGF?A) were measured using a microfluidic cartridge?based multiplex ELISA. Results: The MBE group demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in OSDI scores along with a significant increase in Schirmer’s test 1 compared to the PLC group. No significant change in TBUT and corneal staining was observed between the study groups. Levels of proinflammatory factors such as IL?1?, IL?6, IL?17A, TNF?, and MMP9 were observed to be significantly reduced, along with a significant increase in IL?10 levels following treatment in the MBE group compared with the PLC group. Conclusion: Consumption of MBE resulted in the resolution of DED signs and symptoms, along with a reduction in ocular surface inflammation.

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Bakeries Produced from Golden Berries

This investigation was performed with the purpose of researching the influence of pizza containing dried golden berry fruits (DGBF) at different doses against carbon tetrachloride - induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The study shows phenols content of golden berry. 25 male rats were used in the biological investigation. Rats were divided into five groups (5 rats in group) the investigation was 12 weeks. The first group (negative group) was given a basal diet and the second group (G2, G3, G4, and G5) was injected intramuscularly with carbon tetrachloride 2 ml/kg BW (50% v/v in liquid paraffin) weekly to induce hepatotoxicity. After the injury, group G3, G4 and G5 fed on 50% basal diet supplemented with 50%pizza containing 5, 10 and 15% DGBF. Findings indicate that DGBF had a high antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids content. Rats fed 50% pizza containing (5,10 and 15%) DGBF had a lower serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, creatinine, GOT, GPT, MDA and SOD compared to rats fed simply the basal diet (positive control). The DGBF was added to the pizza with different proportions, and its sensory properties were evaluated, and all proportions were proper to the panelists, compared to the control. The findings of this work suggest that golden berries could be used to treat and prevent hepatotoxicity patients.

Influence of Lycium barbarum Extract Intake on Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the effects of Goji Berry extract (GB, Lycium barbarum) gavage administration on liver tissue oxidative stress in Wistar rats as well as to identify and quantify the content of the major bioactive compounds of the fruit. Four diets were applied: SW - standard diet + water; SG - standard diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal); PW - palatable diet + water; PG - palatable diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal). Results showed a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity in the liver of rats treated with GB and also in those intaking the palatable diet without GB when compared to the SW group. An increased mRNA expression of this enzyme in the same tissue and groups was also verified. Regarding lipid peroxidation, the GB extract produced a significant decrease in the oxidation state in the SG and PG groups. The results also showed a significant amount of bioactive compounds in GB extract.

Consumption of osmo-dehydrated Andean Berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) decreases levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers of overweight and obese adults / Consumo de agraz osmodeshidratado (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) disminuye los niveles de biomarcadores proinflamatorios de adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad

Background: A Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 24.9 Kg/m2 promotes chronic inflammation due to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines. Consuming fruits rich in bioactive compounds such as berries is a promising strategy to counteract this effect. Objectives: Determine the effect of osmo-dehydrated Andean Berry consumption on inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL- 6, IL-1ß, and adiponectin) and plasma antioxidant capacity in overweight and obese adults after 21 days. Methods: Andean Berry was osmo-dehydrated in 70% sucrose syrup. Antioxidant activity, proximal composition, phenolic content, microbiological analysis, and sensory analysis of the product were determined. Twenty-five obese and overweight subjects consumed 35g of osmo-dehydrated berry for 21 days. Inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant capacity in plasma were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Osmo-dehydrated Andean Berry presented a total phenolic content of 692.7 ± 47.4 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents/100 g. All biomarkers evaluated in the subjects showed statistically significant differences (p> 0.05), except for CRP, before and after the study. IL-6 presented the more significant reduction among all pro-inflammatory adipokines with an effect size of 18.4 Conclusions: Regular consumption of osmo-dehydrated Andean Berry contributes to decreasing pro-inflammatory biomarkers and improves the plasma antioxidant capacity of overweight and obese adults

Antecedentes: un índice de masa corporal (IMC) superior a 24.9 kg/m2 promueve la inflamación crónica debido al aumento en la secreción de adipocinas proinflamatorias. El consumo de frutas ricas en compuestos bioactivos como las bayas es una estrategia prometedora para contrarrestar este efecto. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del consumo de agraz osmodeshidratado en biomarcadores inflamatorios (TNF-α, IL- 6, IL-1ß y adiponectina) y capacidad antioxidante plasmática de adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad después de 21 días. Métodos: El agraz fue osmo-deshidratado en jarabe de sacarosa al 70%. Se determinó la actividad antioxidante, composición proximal, contenido fenólico, análisis microbiológico y análisis sensorial del producto. Veinticinco sujetos obesos y con sobrepeso consumieron 35 g de agraz osmodeshidratado durante 21 días. Se evaluaron biomarcadores inflamatorios y capacidad antioxidante en plasma al inicio y al final del estudio. Resultados: El agraz osmodeshidratado presentó un contenido fenólico total de 692.7 ± 47.4 mg GAE / 100 g. Todos los biomarcadores evaluados en los sujetos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p> 0.05), a excepción de la PCR, antes y después del estudio. La IL-6 presentó la mayor reducción entre todas las adipocinas proinflamatorias con un tamaño del efecto de 18.4 Conclusiones: El consumo regular de agraz osmodeshidratado contribuye a disminuir los biomarcadores proinflamatorios y mejora la capacidad antioxidante plasmática de adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad

Composição volátil das uvas ao espumante da cv. Chardonnay em diferentes condições de manejo no sul de Minas Gerais (Brasil) / Volatile composition from grapes to sparkling wine of Chardonnay vine in different management conditions in southern of Minas Gerais (Brazil)

O aroma é um dos fatores mais importantes na determinação da qualidade e do caráter do vinho. Isso se deve à presença de compostos voláteis que estão associados às suas características organolépticas ou diferentes proporções entre estes compostos que podem ser influenciadas por fatores vitícolas (clima, solo, cultivar, manejo) e enológicos (maturação da uva, fermentação, tratamentos pósfermentativos). A região do sul de Minas Gerais vem se destacando na produção de espumantes de qualidade, e, nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a influência do manejo da videira no desenvolvimento do aroma, da baga até o espumante, a fim de estabelecer associações com a qualidade do produto final. Os experimentos foram realizados com a cultivar Chardonnay em diferentes condições de manejo, em que foram avaliados clones, porta-enxertos, sistemas de condução e densidades de plantio. Foram analisados os compostos voláteis livres por HS-SPME/GC-MS das bagas, mostos, vinhos base e espumantes nas safras 2016, 2017 e 2018. O trabalho foi dividido em quatro partes para a apresentação dos resultados. A primeira consistiu em verificar a influência do material genético na composição volátil da cv. Chardonnay com os experimentos de clones e portaenxertos; a segunda parte avaliou a composição volátil do clone 809 até o espumante; a terceira, em analisar as vinificações dos diferentes sistemas de condução; e a quarta, em avaliar a evolução dos compostos voláteis da baga ao espumante e analisar os aromas que as densidades de plantio podem conferir ao espumante. As principais classes de compostos aromáticos identificados nas matrizes foram: C6-C9 aldeídos, álcoois superiores, aldeídos ramificados, benzenoides, monoterpenoides, norisoprenoides, sesquiterpenoides, cetonas e ácidos graxos. Os resultados mostraram que os clones e os porta-enxertos apresentaram perfis voláteis diferentes, indicando que a variabilidade entre os clones e que a enxertia têm influência no metabolismo da baga; o clone 809 apresenta maior abundância de compostos monoterpenoides, confirmando o seu caráter moscato, das uvas aos espumantes; os diferentes sistemas de condução e densidades de plantio alteram o metabolismo da14 baga, refletindo no perfil volátil dos espumantes nas safras estudadas. Dessa forma, os dados indicam que a composição volátil sofre influência do manejo da videira ao espumante

Aroma is one of the most important factors in determining the quality and character of wine. This is due to the presence of volatile compounds that are associated with their organoleptic characteristics or different proportions among these compounds that can be influenced by viticultural (climate, soil, cultivar, management) and oenological factors (grape maturation, fermentation, post fermentation treatments). The southern region of Minas Gerais has been standing out in the production of quality sparkling wines, and in this context, the purpose of the present work was to learn about the influence of grapevine management on the development of aroma, from berry to sparkling wine, in order to establish associations with the quality of the final product. The experiments were carried out with the Chardonnay cultivar under different management conditions, in which clones, rootstocks, trellising systems and planting densities were evaluated. The free volatile compounds by HS-SPME/GC-MS of the berries, musts, base and sparkling wines in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 harvests were analyzed. The work was divided into four parts in order to present the results. The first part consisted of verifying the influence of genetic material on the volatile composition of the cv. Chardonnay with the experiments on clones and rootstocks; the second part evaluated the volatile composition of clone 809 up to the sparkling wine; the third one part analyzed the vinification of the different trainig systems; and the fourth part evaluated the evolution of the volatile compounds from the berry to the sparkling wine and analyzed the aromas that the planting densities can confer to the sparkling wine. The main classes of aromatic compounds identified in the matrices were: C6-C9 aldehydes, higher alcohols, branched aldehydes, benzenoids, monoterpenoids, norisoprenoids, sesquiterpenoids, ketones and fatty acids. The results showed that the clones and the rootstocks have different volatile profiles, indicating that variability among clones and that grafting have great relevance to the berry secondary metabolism; the 809 clone presents a greater abundance of monoterpenoid compounds, confirming its muscat character, from grapes to sparkling wines; the different training systems and planting densities alter the berry´s metabolism, reflecting16 in the volatile profile of sparkling wines in the studied harvests. The data indicate that the volatile composition is influenced by the management of the berry to the sparkling wine

Review and Proposal of Alternative Technologies for Comprehensive and Reliable Newborn Screening Using Paper Borne Urine Samples for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Glycosphingolipid Disorders

Abstract Few current methods are efficient to detect a high number of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) in newborn screening. Therefore, we propose a stepwise procedure that starts with the use of paper borne urine samples (Berry-Woolf specimen) for the inexpensive detection of elevated lysosomal content and the identification of which of the three majors biochemical groups -mucopolysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and glycosphingolipids- is detected. Urine samples are preferable to blood samples because of their higher concentrations of the relevant analytes. Subsequent steps would precisely determine which enzyme deficiency is involved. As a summary, following our previous papers on the detection of elevated oligosaccharides and mucopolysaccharides, here we describe how elevated urinary glycosphingolipids (GSLs) could be fluorometrically detected using the reagent 5-hydroxy-1-tetralone (HOT) and subsequently identified with precision by continuous thin layer chromatography or other techniques. We also outline the steps required for the validation of this procedure for its introduction in newborn screening programs.

Diversidad genética de tres poblaciones de Physalis peruviana a partir del fraccionamiento y patrón electroforético de proteínas de reserva seminal / Genetic diversity in three populations of Physalis peruvianausing fractionation and electrophoretic patterns of seed storage protein

En el presente trabajo, es estudiada la diversidad genética de tres poblaciones atribuidas a ecotipos de aguaymanto, Physalis peruaviana. Las tres poblaciones eran atribuidas a los ecotipos Agroandino (provincia de San Pablo), Celendino (provincia de Celendín) y Cajabamba (provincia de Cajabamba) del departamento de Cajamarca. Se realizó la cuantificación proteica y evaluó el polimorfismo de las proteínas de reserva seminal (SSPs) mediante electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida denaturante (SDS-PAGE). Además, se identificaron características bioquímicas de las proteínas seminales en esta especie. No se hallaron diferencias entre las tres poblaciones basados en la cuantificación proteica. Las globulinas (82.4%) fueron la fracción mayoritaria seguida por las albuminas (13.9%), glutelinas (3.7%) y prolaminas (0.7%). Sólo las albuminas mostraron polimorfismo, hallándose 21 proteínas entre ~ 6.5 a ~45 kDa y tres perfiles electroforéticos diferentes, los cuales fueron compartidos entre las poblaciones. Se identificaron las leguminas y vicilinas en la fracción globulina. Las glutelinas mostraron proteínas de mismo peso molecular (PM) a las leguminas; y las prolaminas sólo una banda de bajo PM. La población de San Pablo fue completamente homogénea a diferencia de la población de Cajabamba que mostró la mayor diversidad genética seguida de Celendín. No fue posible diferenciar las poblaciones designadas como ecotipos Agroandino, Cajabamba y Celendino basados en el análisis de proteínas seminales.

The genetic diversity of three populations designated as ecotypes of golden berry (Physalis peruaviana) is studied using protein quantification and polymorphism of seed storage proteins (SSPs) by denaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). As well, biochemical characteristics of seed proteins were identified. The populations were from San Pablo province (Agroandino ecotype), Celendín province (Celendino ecotype) and Cajabamba province (Cajabamba ecotype), all from Cajamarca Department. There was not difference among the three populations based on protein quantification. Globulins (82.4%) were the majority fraction followed for albumins (13.9%), glutelins (3.7%) and prolamins (0.7%). Only albumins showed polymorphism, showing 21 proteins between ~6.5 to ~45 kDa and three different electrophoretic profiles, which were share among the three populations. Legumins and vicilins were identified in globulin fraction. Glutelins showed proteins of same molecular weight (MW) to legumins; and prolamins only a band of low MW. San Pablo province population (Agroandino ecotype) was completely uniform, while Cajabamba population showed higher genetic diversity followed by Celendin population. Our results shows that, based on seed proteins analyses is not possible to distinguish the three populations designated as Agroandino, Cajabamba and Celendino ecotypes.

Correlation between bizygomatic and maxillary central incisor width for gender identification / Correlação entre a distância bizigomática e a espessura de incisivo central maxilar para identificação de gênero

Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze and evaluate the applicability of bizygomatic and maxillary central incisor width in identifying the sex of an individual for anthropological studies. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 individuals in a private dental institution. The width of the central incisor was measured by requesting the subject to bite onto a sheet of modelling wax. The bizygomatic width was calculated with the help of a divider by taking the most prominent area of the zygomatic arch as the reference point bilaterally. Berry's formula was used to calculate the width of the maxillary central incisor from the bizygomatic width. Berry's Formula "Width of the maxillary central incisor = Bizygomatic width / 16." The data obtained was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The results in our study indicated that the widths of both maxillary central incisors and the bizygomatic width were found to be higher in males when compared to females with a positive strong correlation. Conclusion: The Berry's index can be used for identifying the gender and can also be used for facial reconstruction. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar e avaliar a aplicabilidade da distância bizigomática e espessura de incisivos centrais maxilares na identificação do sexo de um indivíduo para estudos antropológicos. Material e métodos: O estudo foi conduzido com 100 indivíduos de uma instituição odontológica privada. A espessura do incisivo central foi medida pedindo ao sujeito que mordesse em uma folha de cera. A espessura bizigomática foi calculada com o auxílio de uma régua pegando a área mais proeminente do arco zigomático como ponto de referência bilateralmente. A fórmula de Berry foi usada para calcular a espessura do incisivo central maxilar da espessura zigomática. Fórmula de Berry: "Espessura do incisivo central maxial = Espessura bizigomática / 16". Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Os resultados em nosso estudo indicaram que as espessuras de ambos os incisivos centrais maxilares como as espessuras bizigomáticas foram maiores no sexo masculino do que no sexo feminino, com uma correlação positiva forte. Conclusão: O índice de Berry pode ser usado para identificação de gênero e também pode ser usado para reconstrução facial. (AU)

Assessment of an anti-ageing structured cosmetic formulation containing goji berry

Based on previous studies, it has been found that goji berry (GB), popularly known as a 'miracle fruit', has excellent antioxidant potential and can be used in the treatment of skin disorders associated with ageing. This study aimed to incorporate GB into a structured cosmetic in order to optimise its penetration. Stability studies of the formulation, determination of the antioxidant activity of the extract and of the formulation, rheological measurements, SAXS, polarised light microscopy and bioadhesion analyses were performed. The results indicated the antioxidant activity of the extract, which can be incorporated into an emulsified cosmetic formulation. The emulsified formulation containing the extract remained stable, even after being submitted to thermal and luminous stresses for 30 days. In addition, rheological tests revealed that the addition of the GB soft extract reduced the viscosity of the formulation, increasing thixotropy and deformation. These systems were characterised by SAXS as a lamellar phase, which was confirmed by polarised light microscopy. These highly organised structures indicate their excellent stability. In vitro bioadhesion experiments revealed that these formulations exhibited skin adhesion strength statistically similar to commercial anti-ageing formulation. These results suggest that this formulation has excellent potential to be used as a topical treatment for ageing.

Isolation, morphological and molecular characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains against Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

ABSTRACT The coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari, 1876 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is considered the most serious pest of the coffee crop and is controlled primarily with the use of chemical insecticides. An alternative to this control method is the use of the entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1911. Therefore, the objective of this work was to select strains of B. thuringiensis virulent against H. hampei and characterize them by morphological and molecular methods to identify possible genes for the production of genetically modified plants. To achieve this objective, 34 strains of B. thuringiensis underwent a selective bioassay to evaluate their toxicity to H. hampei first-instar larvae. Among the strains tested, 11 and the standard B. thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (IPS-82) caused mortality above 90%. Then, the median lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated for these strains followed by characterization using morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. The lowest LC50 was obtained for strain BR58, although this concentration did not differ significantly from that of the standard strain IPS-82 or from that of strains BR137, BR80 and BR67. The molecular characterization detected cry4A, cry4B, cry10, cry11 and cyt1 genes in 10 of the most virulent strains (BR58, BR137, BR80, BR81, BR147, BR135, BR146, BR138, BR139, BR140). Strain BR67 differed completely from the others and amplified only the cry3 gene. This strain was more virulent than BR135, BR146, BR138, BR139 and BR140, but it did not differ from BR58, BR137, BR80, BR81 and BR147. The protein profile revealed proteins of 28, 65, 70 and 130 kDa, and the morphological analysis identified spherical crystalline inclusions in all strains. The results showed that the 11 strains studied have potential for use as a gene source for insertion into coffee plants for the control H. hampei, especially the cry3, cry4A, cry4B, cry10, cry11 and cyt1 genes, that were repeated in the most virulent isolates.

Evaluation of in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean and Chinese Lonicera caerulea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The honeysuckle berry (HB) contains ascorbic acid and phenolic components, especially anthocyanins, flavonoids, and low-molecular-weight phenolic acids. In order to examine the potential of HB as a hepatoprotective medicinal food, we evaluated the in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean HB (HBK) and Chinese HB (HBC). MATERIALS/METHODS: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts were examined in HepG2 and RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. The anti-oxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, SOD, CAT, and ARE luciferase activities. The production of nitric oxide (NO) as an inflammatory marker was also evaluated. The Nrf2-mediated mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (Nqo1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) were measured. The concentrations of HB extracts used were 3, 10, 30, 100, and 300 µg/mL. RESULTS: The radical scavenging activity of all HB extracts increased in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). SOD (P < 0.05) and CAT (P < 0.01) activities were increased by treatment with 300 µg/mL of each HB extract, when compared to those in the control. NO production was observed in cells pretreated with 100 or 300 µg/mL of HBC and HBK (P < 0.01). Treatment with 300 µg/mL of HBC significantly increased Nqo1 (P < 0.01) and Gclc (P < 0.05) mRNA levels compared to those in the control. Treatment with 300 µg/mL of HBK (P < 0.05) and HBC (P < 0.01) also significantly increased the HO-1 mRNA level compared to that in the control. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the Korean and Chinese HBs were found to possess favorable in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nrf2 and its related anti-oxidant genes were associated with both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in HB-treated cells. Further studies are needed to confirm these in vivo effects.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in Gaultheria pumila Lf. (Ericaceae)

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Gaultheria pumila (Ericaceae) to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure within its native range in Chile. This is a very important Ericaceae endemic to Chile with a large commercial potential. Its resistance to different abiotic conditions makes it a valuable target for genetic improvement. RESULTS: Ten polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were isolated from Gaultheria pumila using new-generation 454 FLX Titanium pyrosequencing technology. The mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 4. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.0 and 0.00 to 0.64, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: From 10 SSR markers developed for G. pumila, 9 markers are promising candidates for analyzing genetic variation within or between natural populations of G. pumila and other species from the same genus.

Impact of osmodehydrated Andean berry (Vaccinium merdionale Swartz) on overweight adults / Impacto del consumo de agraz (Vaccinium merdionale Swartz) osmodeshidratado en adultos con sobrepeso

Background: Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a native Colombian berry with potential health benefit comparable to cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), both rich in phenolic compounds with a wide range of biological activities. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of Andean berry consumption on blood biochemical parameters (lipid profile and glucose), anthropometric parameters (body weight, waist circumference, body mass index or BMI) and blood pressure of overweight adults. Methods: glycemia, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total triglycerides in blood serum, body weight, size and waist perimeter, and blood pressure were analyzed in 25 overweight adults at day 1 and 21 after consumption of 35 g/day of osmodehydrated Andean berry. Results: a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (10%, p = 0.0388), systolic blood pressure (6%, p = 0.0400), BMI (1.7%, p = 0.0306), weight (2%, p = 0.0388) and waist circumference (4.1%, p = 0.0052) were observed in the participants who completed the study. However, the lipid profile did not have a significant effect, the glycemia increased significantly (6.9%, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: the results of the present study suggest that the regular consumption of Andean berry treated by osmotic dehydration is a food that may help control weight and blood pressure; however, it requires another type of osmotic agent to prevent the increase of glycemia.

Antecedentes: Agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) es una baya nativa colombiana con potencial beneficio en la salud comparable al arándano (Vaccinium macrocarpon), ambas ricas en compuestos fenólicos con amplio rango de actividades biológicas. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del consumo de agraz osmodeshidratado en parámetros bioquímicos sanguíneos (perfil lipídico y glucemia), antropométricos, (perímetro de cintura, índice de masa corporal o IMC) y presión arterial en adultos con sobrepeso Métodos: se analizaron los parámetros glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol-LD, colesterol-HDL, triglicéridos totales en suero, peso, talla y perímetro de cintura, y presión arterial de adultos con sobrepeso al inicio y 21 días después de consumir 35g de agraz osmodeshidratado/día. Resultados: se observó en los participantes que completaron el estudio una reducción significativa en la presión arterial diastólica (10%, p = 0,0388) y sistólica (6%, p = 0,0400), así como en el índice de masa corporal (1,7%, p = 0,0306), peso (2%, p = 0,0388) y perímetro de cintura (4,1%, p = 0,0052). Sin embargo, en el perfil lipídico no tuvo efecto significativo, aunque si aumentó significativamente el valor de la glicemia (6,9%, p = 0,0004). Conclusión: los resultados del presente estudio sugieren que el consumo regular de agraz tratado por deshidratación osmótica es un alimento que ayuda al control del peso y presión arterial, sin embargo requiere otro tipo de agente osmótico para evitar el aumento de la glicemia.

Advances in research on relationships among Lycium species and origin of cultivated Lycium in China / 中国中药杂志

The Lycium genus consists of consist of 7 species and 3 variety which are main distributed in Northwest region in China, the cultivated Goji berry appeared about 1 000 years ago. The phylogeny of the wild Goji berry and the domestication of cultivated Goji berry are important scientific and practical value due to the medicinal and economic value. In this paper, a new advances achieved in studies on the phylogeny of wild Goji berry is summarized. The origin of cultivated Goji berry includes when, where, how and ancestral specie were reviewed. The current situation of cultivation and existing problems were summarized. We considered that through mutations and artificial selections, wild ancestors were domesticated to current cultivar groups. To find direct evidence for the origin of cultivated Goji berry, we must rely on genetic analysis in addition to morphological characters. To make full use of the Goji berry germplasm resources, the investigation and mining on wild Goji berry resource should be strengthened in the future.

Açaí Berries Inhibit Colon Tumorigenesis in Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Treated Mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of açaí against azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colorectal cancer development. METHODS: The effect of açaí on tumorigenesis was assessed by evaluating tumor incidence, multiplicity and invasiveness in the mouse colon. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) and cleaved-caspase-3 were assessed by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Administration of pellets containing 5% açaí powder reduced the incidences of both colonic adenoma and cancer (adenoma, 23.1% vs 76.9%, respectively, p=0.006; cancer, 15.4% vs 76.9%, respectively, p=0.002). In the açaí-treated mice, the MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the colon were significantly down-regulated. Açaí inhibited PCNA and Bcl-2 expression and increased Bad and cleaved-caspase-3 expression. In vitro studies demonstrated that açaí treatment reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2 in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Açaí demonstrated protective effects against AOM/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis, which suggests that the intake of açaí may be beneficial for the prevention of human colon cancer.

Carissa congesta Wight and Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. as budding immunomodulatory agents.

Carissa congesta and Benincasa hispida are well-known medicinally important plants associated with diabetes, inflammation, protozal infections and cancer. Here, we emphasized up on the immunomodulatory potential of these plants as the source of lupeol, β-sitosterol and ursolic acid. Petroleum ether extracts of C. congesta roots and B. hispida seeds were subjected to acute toxicity studies. They were screened for its immunomodulatory prospective in rats by Haemagglutination Antibody (HA) titre and Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) response using Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBCs of-0.5×109) as antigens. Carbon Clearance test (Phagocytic Index) was estimated by Indian ink suspension. Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model interpretation was done by paw edema, kene joint erosion (transverse section), body weights, arthritic index and biochemical levels (RBC, WBC and Hb levels). Both the extracts were found to be therapeutically safe up to 5000 mg/kg. Dosage of 100 mg/kg was not satisfactory; and 500 and 250 mg/kg showed significant immunostimmulation (HA Titre) and immunosuppression (DTH response, 48 h). Benincasa hispida seed and Carissa congesta root extracts showed phagocytic Index of 0.0163±0.003, 0.0145±0.003 and 0.0183±0.003, 0.0176±0.003 at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. CFA model revealed that the B. hispida seed and C. congesta root extracts decreased paw volume, knee joint erosion, increased body weights and biochemical parameters with an arthritic index of 1.31±0.12, 1.44±0.15 and 1. 16±0.09, 1.36±0.13 at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg, respectively. The results were interpreted by One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett test. Extracts showed relevance as promising immunostimulators as compared to control.

Comparative analysis of the composition of essential oils from the needles, twigs and berries of Juniperus chinensis L. in Korea.

The essential oil constituents from the needles, twigs and berries of Juniperus chinensis from Korea were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils from the different plant parts were obtained by steam distillation and the yields were 0.34, 0.11 and 0.12% (v/w), respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of 36 different components from needles, twigs and berries, which were mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons (42.05-48.15%) followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (28.53-39.92%).Among the 36 components, 17 components were identified in all the three essential oils. The components such as bornyl acetate (2.85 – 20.70%), sabinene (10.23 – 18.13%), α-pinene (5.80 – 16.26%), terpinen-4-ol (5.98 – 31.10%), limonene (3.98 – 6.96%), β-pinene (3.05 – 4.39%), γ-terpinene (2.24 – 8.36%), α-elemol (1.74 – 4.77%) and α-cadinol (2.49 – 3.39%) were detected as the major components in the essential oils from the three different parts of J. chinensis. The main differences between the three essential oils can be referred to terpinen-4-ol and bornyl acetate. The essential oil of the berries contained the highest level of terpinen-4-ol (31.10%) than needles (7.51%) and twigs (5.98%). On the other hand, bornyl acetate content was very less in berries (2.85%) when compared with twigs (20.70%) and needles (16.43%).

Atividade antioxidante, composição centesimal e rotulagem de frutos desidratados de goji berry (Lycium barbarum L) comercializados no municipio de Natal ­ RN / Antioxidant activity, centesimal composition and labeling of dehydrated fruits of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L) commercialized in the municipality of Natal - RN

O goji berry tem sido amplamente utilizado em países Asiáticos para fins medicinais e como alimento funcional. O fruto apresenta uma vasta alegação terapêutica e apelo comercial, a crescente apreciação em virtude da prevenção de várias enfermidades, tem levado ao consumo de forma indiscriminada no Brasil. Diante desta problemática, esta pesquisa buscou comparar o valor nutricional do goji berry desidratado, de três marcas vendidas no comercio do município de Natal - RN, investigar as características químicas, capacidade antioxidante total (CAT) e compostos fenólicos dessas marcas e verificar se seus rótulos disponibilizavam as informações nutricionais coerentes com os resultados obtidos, conforme é exigido pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Tratou-se de um estudo experimental com delineamento transversal, realizado em maio e junho de 2014. Foram utilizados os métodos oficiais de análise para determinação de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos e para carboidratos foi realizado por diferenciação. A determinação da CAT baseou-se na redução de Molibdênio+6 a Molibdênio+5 pela amostra teste, e a presença de compostos fenólicos por método espectrofotométrico. Com relação à composição centesimal e comparação com o rótulo, para os teores de proteínas, marca A: 11,90%± 1,01, B: 13,90%±0,19, e marca C: 13,50%±0,83. Em relação aos teores de lipídeos, apenas a marca A estava em desacordo com seu rótulo, nas marcas B e C não houve diferenças. Para fibras, apenas a marca A demonstrou diferença significativa do seu respectivo rótulo. Pode-se afirmar que o fruto contém relevante capacidade antioxidante total e compostos fenólicos totais.

The goji berry has been widely used in Asian countries for medicinal purposes and as a functional food. The fruit has a wide therapeutic and commercial appeal claim, the growing appreciation in view of preventing various diseases has led to the use indiscriminately in Brazil. In view of this problem, the research aimedto compare the nutritional value of goji berry dehydrated, three brands sold in of Natal/RN, investigated the chemical, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and phenolic compounds, such marks and it was verified that their labels, provide what the nutritional information consistent with results as required by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). This was an experimental crosssectional study, conducted in May and June 2014. We used the analysis of official methods for determination of moisture, ash, protein, lipids and carbohydrates was conducted by differentiation. The determination of CAT was based on the reduction Molybdenum +5 to Molybdenum + 6 to the test sample, and the presence of phenolic compounds by the spectrophotometric method. With respect to composition and comparison withthe label for the content of proteins, brand A: 11.90 ± 1.01%, B: 13.90% ± 0.19, and brand C: 13.50% ± 0,83. Regarding lipid levels, only the A mark was at odds with its label, the marks B and C were similar. For fibers, only the A mark showed a significant difference in their respective label. One can say that the fruit contains relevant total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds.

Clinical Observation of Compound Sabal Berry Tablet Combined with Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Complicated with Urinary Obstruction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To observe the efficacy and safety of Compound sabal berry tablet combined with tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with urinary obstruction. METHODS:86 patients with benign prostatic hyper-plasia complicated with urinary obstruction were randomly divided into control group(43 cases)and observation group(43 cases). Control group orally received 0.2 mg Tamsulosin hydrochloride orally disintegrating sustained-release tablet,once every evening. Observation group additionally received 500 mg Compound sabal berry tablet before a meal,3 times a day. 4-week was regarded as 1 treatment course,and it lasted 3 courses. During the treatment,all patients in the two groups ate light food,avoiding spicy and bland food. The clinical efficacy,TCM symptom scores,interleukin-8 (IL-8),interleukin-10 (IL-10),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),maximum flow rate(Qmax),post-void residual(PVR),the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)scores before and after treatment and the incidence of adverse reactions in the 2 groups were observed. RESULTS:The total effective rate in ob-servation group was significantly higher than control group,the difference was statistically significant(P0.05). After treatment,TCM symptom scores,IPSS scores,IL-8,IL-10,TNF-α and PVR in 2 groups were signifi-cantly lower than before,and observation group was lower than control group,Qmax was significantly higher than before,and obser-vation group was higher than control group,the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). And there were no severe ad-verse reactions during treatment. CONCLUSIONS:The efficacy of Compound sabal berry tablet combined with tamsulosin is superi-or to tamsulosin alone in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with urinary obstruction,it can reduce the in-flammatory reactions and residual urine,with good safety.

Ginsenoside Re Enriched Fraction (GS-F3K1) from Ginseng Berries Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction via Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men and considered to be an early symptom of atherosclerosis and a precursor of various systemic vascular disorders. The aim of the present study was to prepare ginsenoside Re enriched fraction (GS-F3K1, ginsenoside Re 10%, w/w) from ginseng berries flesh and to investigate the enhanced activities of GS-F3K1 on alcohol-induced ED. GS-F3K1 was prepared by the continuous liquid and solid separating centrifugation and circulatory ultrafiltration from ginseng berries flesh. GS-F3K1 was administered for 5 weeks in ethanol-induced ED rat by oral administration of 20% ethanol. To investigate the effects of GS-F3K1 on ED model, the levels of nitrite expression, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and erectile response of the penile corpus cavernosum of rat were measured. The erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored after GS-F3K1 administration, to a level similar to the normal group. The level of nitrite and cGMP expression in the corpus cavernosum of GS-F3K1-administered male rats was increased significantly compared to positive control group. GS-F3K1 from ginseng berries should effectively restore ethanol-induced ED in male rats and could be developed as a new functional food for the elderly men.